Patricia E. (Plaehn) Sowell, age 94, left this life to begin her new journey on March 8, 2024. She was born November 9, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William Albert and Emily (Marshall) Plaehn. Patricia moved with her parents to South Haven, Michigan at 9 years old. She became a member of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in 1943 and graduated from South Haven High School in 1947. She attended Valparaiso University from 1947-1950. She returned to earn her degree in mathematics and social science in1968.
On February 19, 1950, she married Leon Van Buren Sowell, Jr. of Macon, Georgia. They met when they were students at Valparaiso University. After their wedding, she began her adventure as career navy spouse with stations in Green Cove Springs, Florida; Newport, Rhode Island; Charleston, South Carolina; and Meridian, Mississippi. She learned self-sufficiency when her husband was on duty tours in North Africa, and Vietnam. They settled in her home town after Leon retired from the navy and both became involved with the South Haven Coast Guard Auxiliary. She dedicated more than 30 years of service primarily teaching boat safety classes and commanding radio watch, but also as a first responder and a tugboat crew member. Patricia’s professional versatility was put to good use throughout her life as an accountant, a math teacher, a kennel owner and breeder/shower of German Shepherds, and a bookkeeper at Ma’s Coffee Pot.
Patricia leaves behind her dear brother Albert William Plaehn (Bernice), son David Lee Sowell (Christine); daughter Kathleen Sowell Restrick (Thomas); grandchildren Jaison Lee Restrick (Christina), Emily Sowell, and Dana Restrick Rosselot (Marshall); five beloved nieces and nephews and their families; her dear church family; and the lights of her life, great-granddaughters, Remy and Murphy Rosselot, and great-grandson, Cooper Lee Restrick. She was preceded in death by her husband Leon in 2008, her sister Ann Marshall Plaehn in 2007, and her niece Debra Lynn Greenman in 2000.
Private interment will be at McDowell Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date in the sanctuary of the South Haven First United Methodist Church located at 429 Michigan Avenue followed by desserts and coffee in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the First United Methodist Church of South Haven, 429 Michigan Avenue, 49090.To view Patricia’s personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH